N. Dudley Baird, Sr.

Dudley Baird passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2023. He was born November 12, 1935 in Augusta, Ga. He is the son of George Clifford Baird and Bessie Mary Baird. Dudley had polio at age 6 and went to Warm Springs, Ga. to learn to walk again. He began to play tennis as a young boy and won Crackerland in Athens when he was 15 years old. Dudley graduated from Richmond Academy and went to the University of North Carolina for two years before he transferred to the University of Georgia and played on the tennis team for Dan Magill. He was the President of Augusta Country Club in 1976 and served as the Chairman of Augusta Prep in 1981. Dudley played a key role alongside Whitney O’Keeffe of the Trust Company Bank in keeping Prep’s doors open. He also served on the Vestry at St. Paul’s Church as Senior Warden.

Dudley is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Soleta Morris Baird, his sons: Dudley Baird, Jr. (Kathy), John Nolan Baird, Lewis Baird (Eleanor), Will Baird, and Sol Baird. Dudley also is survived by his five grandchildren, Nolan Baird, III, Daniel Baird, Shaw Baird, Claire Baird and Hugh Baird, and a number of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents George C. Baird and Bessie Mary Baird, his sister Elizabeth “Lizzie” Baird, and his brother George Baird.

The family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the team that provided such wonderful care. Sherri Stinson for coordinating her team of nurses Victoria Martin, and Reese Williams. We would also like to thank two dear friends of the family, Nancy White and Susan Rabon for their wonderful care and emotional support during this time.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 24th at 2:00PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Bill Dolan officiating. Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park where the family will receive friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Church: 605 Reynolds St. Augusta,GA, 30901

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com